Lubuntu is a free Linux operating system that is easy to install and has an interface that is similar to Windows. It is a lightweight version of the Ubuntu operating system and makes a good Windows replacement.

Being Linux-based, Lubuntu has very few issues with malware and spyware, is very stable and is easy to learn and use.

Lubuntu comes with the Firefox web browser, a word processor, text editor, spreadsheet and many other applications most users need. It also has about 30,000 additional free software applications available at no charge, that can be installed using the included Lubuntu Software Centre.

If your computer has a DVD dive you can pick up a Lubuntu DVD at the NCF office or download the ISO file from lubuntu.me and burn it to a DVD yourself with an ISO writer. If your computer doe not have an optica drive then you can install it from a USB drive, as described below. You can try Lubuntu out as a "live session" before you install it. You can install it in place of Windows or along side it, choosing which system to use on reboot.

It is a good idea before replacing Windows to ensure that you will be able to open and edit your existing documents on your new operating system. You can try this on a "live CD" session, or if you are unsure you can ask on the NCF Free Software Discussion Group. That group is also a good place to ask general questions about Lubuntu and Linux.

Installing Lubuntu

Lubuntu installation (if you have a DVD already)

A sample of some methods of backing up your files: a DVD and three USB mass-storage devices ("Thumb drives").

Complete a back-up of all documents and bookmarks

Boot to a "live session" ("Try Lubuntu without installing") to ensure that Lubuntu will work properly with your hardware (many computers require entering the computer set-up on boot to allow it to boot to a DVD before the hard drive)

Install Lubuntu from live session desktop "Install" or from boot screen "Install Lubuntu"

Launch the WinMD5Sum checker and test the downloaded Lubuntu ISO file against the MD5SUM for the specific release at http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/ (This ensures that the ISO has not been compromised or corrupted)

Launch the ISO recorder and use it to burn the ISO image to your DVD

Complete a back-up of all documents and bookmarks

Boot to the DVD and test it using the DVD's built-in "Check disk for defects" to ensure the DVD was burnt correctly

Boot to a "live session" ("Try Lubuntu without installing") to ensure that Lubuntu will work properly with your hardware (many computers require entering the computer set-up on boot to allow it to boot to a DVD before the hard drive)

Install Lubuntu from live session desktop "Install" or from boot screen "Install Lubuntu"

Launch the WinMD5Sum checker and test the downloaded Lubuntu ISO file against the MD5SUM for the specific release at http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/ (This ensures that the ISO has not been compromised or corrupted)

Launch UNetBootIn ISO USB recorder and use it to unpack the ISO image onto your USB

Complete a back-up of all documents and bookmarks

Boot to the USB and test it using the DVD's built-in "Check disk for defects" to ensure the USB works correctly

Boot to a "live session" ("Try Lubuntu without installing") to ensure that Lubuntu will work properly with your hardware (many computers require entering the computer set-up on boot to allow it to boot to a USB before the hard drive)

Install Lubuntu from live session desktop "Install" or from boot screen "Install Lubuntu"